Heritage Interpretation: 

Interpreting Kerameikos Field School

*comin june 2016*

How does heritage communicate? What messages does the heritage profession create about its sites, monuments and artefacts? This course critically examines approaches to interpretation and communication of the past, and explores the theory and practice of heritage communication for multiple audiences and purposes.

Heritage is an active force in society and its use and adaptation is dynamic, changing and inconsistent. A key focus of the module will be a critical examination of interpretation and communication of heritage and conservation, and a consideration of the complexity of multiple values, perspectives, and voices within the construction of heritage on all levels, from the personal to the international.

The module will include practical development of interpretation tools and techniques, using the Athenian site of the Kerameikos as a case study.

Research Questions

Key research questions for this field project include:

• What is heritage interpretation?

• What are the main challenges and opportunities in interpreting the heritage of Greece for multiple audiences?

• What are the hidden histories and stories of cultural heritage?

Field School Objectives

• To explore definitions of interpretation

• To critically examine and assess heritage interpretation approaches (applied methods)

• To critically examine case studies and identify best practice

• To survey Keramikos and create an interpretation strategy and plan – for the site and the museum

• To study and where possible develop main interpretation tools (eg. labels, panels, guides, trails, etc)

Learning Outcomes

In the course of the field school students will develop an interpretation strategy and action plan for the site of Kerameikos. They will work on developing a range of interpretation tools that could be applied – including content, images, trails, activities and required training. Where possible these will be produced (for example, designed panels, trails, guided tours, audio scripts). Students will need to base their output on clear evidence of impact and suitability, and will incorporate an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, any risks, and a clear understanding of the target audience. Where possible this will be done with the involvement of stakeholder groups, like heritage managers from the site and its museum.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

The language of instruction is English.

Program Fees & Course Credit

The participation fee for this program is 4500 Euros.  This fee covers all course costs including: registration; tuition; program materials; shared accommodation; one meal per day (excluding free days).  Airfare and optional trips on free days are not included in the program fee.

There are a number of scholarships available for this field school– scholarships are awarded after acceptance into the program, so please apply early for elligibility. Please contact us for more information

If  you would like to take this course for credit, the suggested credit amount for this program is equivalent to one semester / term course, based on contact hours, field work, and course content.  We prefer to allow students’ home institutions to calculate credit hours and award credit accordingly.  We will support your request for credit by supplying any relevant documentation and or supporting materials.

Course Directors

• Diana Walters, PhD, International museum and heritage consultant

• Dimitris Ioannidis, Architect and heritage manager

Further information

For further information about fees, available spaces, or to apply, please write to [email protected]

You may fill out an application form here!